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Writer's pictureNigel Bywater

Travel the NC500 and see the birdlife in abundance



Travelling the Highlands there are so many opportunities to see and experience so many things. Some of you may want to see the birdlife we have to offer, and what better way could there be than doing this in one of our Campervans.


We have made some suggestions here which might give you some inspiration


We have also included some places you may want to consider staying overnight, offering you the opportunity to plan ahead.


5-Day NC500 Campervan Itinerary for Bird Watching:


Day 1: Inverness to Ullapool

  • Birdwatching at Black Isle Nature Reserve.

  • Accommodation: Broomfield Holiday Park in Ullapool.

Day 2: Ullapool to Gairloch

  • Visit Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve for bird watching.

  • Bird spotting along Gairloch Beach.

  • Accommodation: Sands Caravan and Camping Park in Gairloch.

Day 3: Gairloch to Torridon

  • Explore Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve for diverse bird species.

  • Bird watching while hiking in Torridon Hills.

  • Accommodation: Torridon Campsite or Torridon Youth Hostel.

Day 4: Torridon to Lochinver

  • Visit Inverewe Garden known for bird-friendly environment.

  • Bird spotting by Loch Assynt in Lochinver.

  • Accommodation: Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel or Clachtoll Beach Campsite.

Day 5: Lochinver to Inverness

  • Bird watching at Clashnessie Falls and Stoer Lighthouse.

  • Accommodation: Culloden Moor Caravan Club Site near Inverness.


7-Day NC500 Campervan Itinerary for Bird Watching:

Follow the 5-day itinerary for the first five days, then continue:


Day 6: Lochinver to Durness

  • Birdwatching on Handa Island (book a boat trip in advance).

  • Bird spotting at Smoo Cave and cliffs in Durness.

  • Accommodation: Sango Sands Oasis Campsite in Durness.

Day 7: Durness to Tongue

  • Bird watching at Balnakeil Craft Village and Faraid Head.

  • Hike up Ben Loyal for mountain bird sightings.

  • Accommodation: Kyle of Tongue Campsite

10-Day NC500 Campervan Itinerary for Bird Watching:

Follow the 7-day itinerary for the first seven days, then continue:

Day 8: Tongue to Thurso

  • Bird watching at Forsinard Flows RSPB Nature Reserve.

  • Explore Thurso Bay and Scrabster Harbor for seabirds.

  • Accommodation: Thurso Bay Caravan and Camping Park.

Day 9: Thurso to John O'Groats

  • Bird watching at Dunnet Head and Castle of Mey Gardens.

  • Take a ferry to Duncansby Head for seabird colonies.

  • Accommodation: John O'Groats Caravan and Camping Site.

Day 10: John O'Groats to Inverness

  • Return to Inverness, making stops for any missed bird watching opportunities.

  • Accommodation: Black Isle Caravan Park or Culloden Woods Caravan Club Site.

Make sure to book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons, and keep an eye on bird sighting reports for the best spots along your journey. Enjoy your bird watching adventure on the NC500!

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